Emily Robey-Phillips, fifth-year International Affairs major and Honors Program student, has caused quite the buzz around campus: she just received (and accepted) admission to Harvard Law School after a stellar undergraduate career at Georgia Tech.

Emily first decided to pursue law school at the age of 13 after her parents mentioned that she would be up for the challenge.  Emily capitalized on that initial spark and began her preparations early.  Upon beginning her freshman year of high school at the Atlanta International School (AIS), Emily signed up for Mock Trial and began to study towards the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.  Emily particularly enjoyed her Theory of Knowledge course offered in the IB curriculum.  This course explored the science of “how you know things”; whether you are driven by emotion, reason, language, or belief, an abstract and highly debatable topic similar to the types of courses she will take at Harvard.  Emily also participated in the bilingual degree program offered at AIS, enabling her to receive a duel diploma in French and English.  Emily identifies her early exposure to the unique IB offerings as a key factor in her passion for and understanding of the dynamics of international affairs and law.

Emily entered Georgia Tech in the fall of 2009 as an Honors Program student majoring in International Affairs and Public Policy.  Emily held a number of leadership positions on campus, including serving as President of Sigma Iota Rho, an Associate Editor for the Technique, and working on independent research in the field of human rights.  This research resulted in a publication in The Tower.  Emily is also an avid martial artist and Resident Assistant for Georgia Tech housing.  Most recently, Emily completed an internship with Congressman John Lewis (D) through the Georgia Tech DC Internship Program, providing her with invaluable work experience in Washington.

Emily suspects a few of her undergraduate classes will share remarkable similarities with her courses at Harvard.  Emily is particularly grateful for her experience in Public Policy 3000; this course consisted of case analysis and group discussion, similar to the format she will encounter in law school.  US Foreign Policy also expanded her skillset by requiring critical essays and thoughtful, systematic analysis.  Emily also engaged in a number of language courses at Georgia Tech: she completed a minor in Russian and took an impressive number of Spanish, Arabic, and German courses.

When asked why she chose Harvard instead of Columbia, the University of Virginia, or the University of Pennsylvania, Emily cites Harvard Law’s incredible reputation for excellence.  “I appreciate the global recognition of Harvard’s name.  Harvard’s international merit is astounding.”  Emily looks forward to living and learning in Cambridge.

We anticipate great success for Emily and await word of her many accomplishments at Harvard Law!